Rare antiques are to be auctioned to help the Chronicle's charity for sick and disabled youngsters.

The Chronicle's Sunshine Fund will benefit from the sale being held at the Mansion House in Jesmond, Newcastle.

The antiques weekend will run from Friday, October 24 until Sunday, October 26.

Visitors will be charged an entrance fee of &#xA3;3 per person, and from this &#xA3;1 will be donated to the Sunshine Fund.

Mansion House manager Richard Simms said: "We chose the Sunshine Fund because it's a locally-based charity and helps children, which were the two criteria we were looking for.

"We're aware of the good work the Sunshine Fund does locally.

"We've already done coffee mornings - including one with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle - for its benefit, so it made sense."

Exhibitors will be invited on the merit and quality of their exhibits rather than relying on a first-come first-served basis.

All exhibits must be good quality, authentic antiques datelined up to 1939.

The Mansion House will celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year.

The antiques fair is being considered part of the golden jubilee events, which also include the publication of a booklet detailing the mansion houses of Newcastle, opening the house to the public in September for the latest round of Heritage Open Days, the commissioning of commemorative works by local artists and a Christmas crafts event. The Sunshine Fund gives grants for equipment that will make an improvement to the lives of children in our region who are battling serious illness or disability in their everyday lives.

It can be anything that improves the physical or mental wellbeing of a youngster but is not available through normal channels.

Our fundraising readers have been working to support the fund at events, including our annual five-a-side soccer tournament and our Sunshine Run.

It means we at present have a pot of cash available for even more grants and the Chronicle is encouraging families and organisations, who know youngsters who would benefit, to apply.

NFor further details on how to apply, or for an informal chat on the criteria for applications, contact the Sunshine Fund's manager, Jo Harris, on (0191) 201 6289.

NFurther details on exhibiting at, or attending, the antiques weekend and other Mansion House events are available by calling (0191) 281 0863.